Laserson, Maurice and Cohn-Wiener, Ernst : correspondence (1924-1938)

Correspondence between Dr Maurice Laserson and Professor Ernst Cohn-Wiener, art historian, 25 Feb 1924-26 Dec 1938 on topics including Cohn-Wiener's travel experiences and the art treasures and traditions of various countries; Cohn-Wiener's experience in India including comments on the situation of the indigenous Jewish population there; Laserson's activities relating to his involvement with ORT (Organisation for Rehabilitation through Training) and efforts by Laserson, in Australia, to find suitable employment and an entry permit for Cohn-Wiener. Also Curriculum Vitae of Cohn-Wiener, written whilst in India, [1938] and a list of Cohn-Wiener's publications produced by Laserson.

Ernst Cohn-Wiener was a Jewish German born in Tilsit (East Prusia), 1882; education: Bromberg (now Bydgoszcz) Gymnasium-Abitur (A levels) 1902; art history, archaeology and philosophy at Berlin and Heidelberg Universities; PhD 1907; left Germany 1933 because of racial persecution; England, 1933; India, 1934; USA, 1939; published numerous works initially on medieval European art and later oriental and Indian art; died, New York, 1941.

For biographical information on Dr Maurice Laserson see Wiener Library Biographical news-cuttings section (G15).

In sections as follows: CV; list of publications; correspondence.

Open

Dr Bergmann, Nov 1973.

Detailed description on the Wiener Library's online catalogue www.wienerlibrary.co.uk.

Entry compiled by Sarah Drewery.

Copies can be made for personal use. Permission must be sought for publication.

The collection was originally the property of Dr Maurice Laserson. It is not clear how it came to be deposited by Dr Bergmann. We have to assume that the two men knew each other in Australia, where both had made their home, possibly through their mutual interest in Jewish welfare.

Dr Bergmann's diaries and personal papers (ref: WL 616).